Nikon B500 vs Sony HX99: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Superzoom Cameras

When budget-conscious photography enthusiasts look at small sensor superzoom cameras, a few key names pop up - and two frequent contenders are Nikon’s Coolpix B500 and Sony’s Cyber-shot HX99. Both offer the lure of long zooms and compact all-in-one convenience, but they cater to different kinds of shooters. Having spent many hours behind the lens testing these cameras in the field and at the bench, I’ll walk you through this detailed, bite-sized comparison. The goal? Help you cut through the specs and marketing hype so you can pick the camera that’ll truly deliver when it matters most.

Physical size and ergonomics - Nikon B500 vs Sony HX99

At a Glance: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Let’s tackle the fundamentals first. The Nikon B500 is a classic bridge camera, SLR-esque in its shape and grip, weighing in at about 541 grams. It offers a comfortable, substantial handhold, especially for users with larger hands or those who prefer a club-like grip. The physical dimensions (114 x 78 x 95 mm) reflect that bulkiness, which also lends stability when using long telephoto zooms handheld.

By contrast, Sony’s HX99 is a compact powerhouse weighing a mere 242 grams with sizes trimmed to a pocketable 102 x 58 x 36 mm. This lightweight, slippery little camera fits well into travelers' pockets, purses, or glove compartments, perfect for the minimalist who values portability.

If you prefer the traditional feel of a camera with a predictable grip, and you don’t mind the heft, Nikon’s B500 fits the bill. For those who prioritize discretion and compactness without giving up too much in optics, the Sony HX99 is clearly designed with the modern, on-the-go shooter in mind.

Top view design and control layout - note the Nikon’s larger mode dial vs Sony’s compact control layout

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Realities

Both cameras share an identical sensor format: a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with roughly the same physical dimensions (about 6.17 x 4.55 mm). The Nikon B500 offers 16MP resolution, whereas the Sony HX99 edges slightly ahead with 18MP. That small bump in resolution isn’t hugely impactful in isolation but speaks to incremental improvements Sony squeezed out in sensor design and image processing.

In image quality terms, we’re both limited by the small sensor size which struggles in low light and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors. Neither camera is going to win any awards for breathtaking image depth or noise handling. However, the Sony HX99 provides a higher maximumISO (12,800 vs Nikon’s 3,200), coupled with Sony’s typically advanced noise reduction algorithms, which equates to better cleaner results in dim conditions.

I stress tested both cameras on dynamic range and color depth - for example shooting landscapes with deep shadows and bright skies. The Nikon’s images tended to clip highlights sooner and lacked shadow detail compared to the HX99, which managed a fuller tonal range courtesy of improved sensor micro-lenses and processing.

So, if image quality - particularly in tricky lighting - is a top priority stick with the Sony HX99. It’s more future-proof where image fidelity is concerned, even if neither is a replacement for a larger-sensor camera.

Sensor and image quality discussion – small sensor limits, Sony’s slight edge in resolution and max ISO

Zoom Lenses: The Long and the Short of It

Both cameras flaunt impressive optical zooms, but with different philosophies. Nikon’s B500 boasts a massive 40x optical zoom range covering 23-900mm equivalent, an extraordinary reach for a superzoom. The tradeoff is a slower aperture range (f/3.0-6.5) and larger camera size to accommodate the bigger lens barrel.

Sony’s HX99 settles for a shorter zoom range, 24-720mm equivalent (30x optical zoom), with a marginally narrower maximum aperture (f/3.5-6.4). This reduction in reach enables the compact form factor and faster responsiveness, ideal for travel and street photographers.

In practical terms: if you want to photograph subjects at extreme distances - say wildlife across a valley - the Nikon B500’s 900mm reach provides more framing options without resorting to cropping (which amplifies noise). However, the Sony HX99 zoom is still impressive and, crucially, its smaller lens means less weight and better handling for everyday use.

Both lenses have optical image stabilization (OIS), crucial at these focal lengths to mitigate hands shake. The Nikon has a legacy optical IS system, while the Sony benefits from enhanced hybrid stabilization in video modes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Speed and precision matter, especially when photographing wildlife, sports, or spontaneous street interactions. Here the Sony HX99 shines brighter.

The Nikon B500 employs contrast-detection autofocus, which is decent but tends to hunt or slow down in low light or low-contrast scenes. Continuous autofocus works but is not blisteringly fast. Burst shooting clocks in at 7.4 fps, respectable for its class.

Sony’s HX99 relies on an advanced contrast-detection AF system augmented by clever algorithms, resulting in generally quicker lock-ons. Moreover, continuous autofocus performance while tracking moving subjects is noticeably better in real-life trials. Burst shooting peaks at 10 fps, giving it the edge for action photographers.

Neither camera sports Phase-detection AF or the eye/animal detection tech found in higher-end models, but Sony’s face detection is nippier and more reliable.

Summary:

• Sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects? Sony HX99 wins for speed and AF accuracy.
• Casual or static subjects? Nikon B500’s AF is adequate and less complex to operate.

Viewfinders and Screens: Seeing is Believing

LCD screen comparison - Both 3 inches in size, Sony adds touchscreen capability

The Nikon B500 relies entirely on a tilting 3-inch screen without any built-in viewfinder. Its resolution is 921k dots, which is crisp and intuitive, but composing under bright sunlight can be a challenge. The lack of any viewfinder means you’re stuck holding the camera at arm’s length or awkward angles.

In contrast, Sony’s HX99 adds a 638k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.5x magnification - a rare luxury in this class. The EVF preserves your eye contact with the subject, stabilizes framing (important at long zooms), and performs well in bright conditions.

Furthermore, Sony equips the HX99 with touchscreen control, enabling fast focus point selection and menu navigation. The Nikon’s lack of touchscreen feels dated in 2024.

If you want a more traditional shooting experience with an EVF that makes challenging lighting scenarios manageable, the HX99 is the obvious pick.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video is increasingly relevant even in bridge cameras. Both models offer full HD 1080p recording, but Sony pushes it further by including UHD 4K video at up to 30p - a pivotal advantage for casual videographers or vloggers.

The Nikon B500’s video supports 1080p at various frame rates (25p, 30p, 50i, 60i) but no 4K option. File formats are limited to MPEG-4 and H.264.

Sony HX99 records AVCHD and the more efficient XAVC S codec, good for long recording times and better detail. It also includes slow-motion 120fps video at HD resolution.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, which restricts serious audio capture. Optical image stabilization aids video smoothness, but Sony’s often superior hybrid stabilization hones in steadier footage.

If video matters to you, the Sony HX99 delivers better frame rates, 4K resolution, and more modern codecs.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered Up

Nikon’s B500 uses 4x AA batteries. The advantage? Easy to find replacements on the road, cheaper upfront cost, but at the expense of some extra weight and bulk in your bag.

Battery life is excellent: rated at approximately 600 shots (CIPA), the B500 will stay going for days on casual outings without hunting for the charger.

Sony’s HX99 uses a proprietary NP-BX1 battery pack that delivers around 360 shots per charge. That’s significantly fewer shots compared to the B500, so bring a spare battery or charger if you’re out all day. However, the HX99’s compact design and form-factor justify the tradeoff.

On storage, both use SD cards, with the HX99 also supporting Sony’s Memory Stick Duo (a bonus if you’re upgrading from legacy Sony gear).

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both cameras lack any meaningful weather sealing or ruggedization. Neither is dustproof, waterproof, crushproof, or freezeproof. So don’t expect them to survive hardcore outdoor adventures or travel in harsh climates without a protective case.

However, build quality is solid for their price. Nikon’s B500 feels robust and slightly more resilient due to its larger chassis, while Sony HX99 has a premium feel considering its tiny package, with mostly metal construction.

Both rely on plastic lens barrels - no surprises or complaints there.

Special Features and Connectivity

Here the two cameras diverge interestingly:

• Nikon B500 has Bluetooth built-in for image transfer and remote control via Nikon’s SnapBridge app - handy but sometimes flaky in pairing, based on my bench tests.
• Sony HX99 skips Bluetooth but includes NFC for near-field pairing and Wi-Fi for fast transfers. The touchscreen interface compliments this connectivity suite well.

Neither camera supports GPS, eliminating geotagging unless you use your phone.

In terms of exposure modes, the Sony HX99 offers a fuller complement: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure modes - great for photo enthusiasts wanting creative control. Nikon B500’s exposure controls are much more basic, limited to manual exposure with no dedicated priority modes.

Real-World Usage: Photography Disciplines

Let’s step beyond specs and consider how each camera performs across photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

• Bokeh & Background Blur: Neither camera’s small sensor and relatively narrow apertures can produce a creamy, shallow depth of field. With 40x zoom though, the Nikon’s super telephoto end allows more background compression to isolate your subject.
• Skin Tones & Colors: Sony’s 18MP sensor and processing produce slightly nicer colors and skin tones, notably when shooting RAW (also supported only on Sony).
• Eye & Face Detection AF: Both have face detection but no eye AF. Sony’s focus is more reliable in locking on portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Dynamic Range: Sony’s sensor provides cleaner shadows and better highlight retention.
• Resolution: HX99’s 18MP delivers higher native resolution for detailed landscapes.
• Weather Sealing: Both lack it, so caution outdoors.
• Ergonomics: Nikon’s larger body offers more stability for handheld landscape shots but is bulkier to tote.

Wildlife Photography

• Telephoto Reach: Nikon’s 900mm equivalent lens is a clear winner when distance matters.
• AF Tracking: Sony’s more advanced AF system boosts hit rate on moving animals.
• Burst Rate: Sony runs 10 fps vs Nikon’s 7.4 fps - good for quick sequences.

Sports Photography

• Fast action isn’t their strong suit, but Sony’s higher fps and better AF tracking again make it more capable for casual sports or children’s activities photography.

Street Photography

• Compactness and discretion favor Sony’s HX99. The Nikon’s bulk and lack of a viewfinder make it less nimble.
• Sony’s touchscreen and manual controls allow quick adjustments on the fly.

Macro Photography

• Nikon gets physically closer - 1cm minimum focus distance vs Sony’s 5cm - meaning better closeups without accessories. However, Sony’s touchscreen autofocus helps snag focus precisely.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s higher ISO ceiling and RAW shooting capability offer more latitude in long exposures and post-processing.
• Nikon’s lack of RAW and lower max ISO limits low-light potential.

Video Use

• Sony’s 4K video and better stabilization let it pull ahead for travel vloggers or casual filmmakers.
• Nikon’s Full HD is fine for casual clips but shows its age.

Travel Photography

• Sony’s small size, EVF, and broad focal range make it an excellent travel companion.
• Nikon’s longer zoom might appeal if you expect distant photo ops, but the heft may discourage carry-all-day comfort.

Professional Work

• Neither camera fits the bill for professional assignments requiring RAW (only Sony supports), extensive control, or ruggedness. But Sony’s manual modes and RAW support give it more creative flexibility for semi-pro use.

A Summary You Can Trust

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Nikon B500 if:

• You want maximum zoom reach for wildlife or distant subjects (40x zoom is impressive and hard to beat at this price).
• You value a larger, easier-to-hold camera body with physical dials.
• You want longer battery life using AA batteries.
• You want a budget-friendly solution around $300.

Choose the Sony HX99 if:

• You need the best possible image quality from a small-sensor compact superzoom.
• You want quick, accurate autofocus suitable for fast-moving subjects.
• You want a built-in electronic viewfinder for bright conditions or precise framing.
• You want 4K video capabilities and more manual exposure control options.
• Portability and discretion are priorities (it fits in a jacket pocket).
• You’re willing to spend around $450-470 to get those benefits.

Real-World Sample Shots: Seeing Is Believing

Nikon B500 front Nikon B500 screen back Sony HX99 front Sony HX99 screen back

Inspecting these sample galleries, the Sony’s images reveal slightly better color rendition and less noise at higher ISOs. The Nikon’s images emphasize the incredible reach - eagles and distant subjects are captured with impressive clarity considering the sensor size.

One Last Look at Performance Across Genres

Final Verdict: The Bigger Picture

I’ve owned and tested both these cameras across trips, family events, and experimental photography projects. Neither will replace your mirrorless or DSLR for professional-quality images, but each fulfills a niche.

The Nikon B500 says: “Look at me - I have the biggest zoom and longest battery life for the lowest price.” It works well if you prioritize reach and battery endurance over compactness and image refinements.

Sony’s HX99 says: “I’m the pocket-sized superstar with better optics, faster focus, an EVF, and 4K video” - perfect for travelers, street shooters, and content creators wanting serious control in a tiny body.

In other words: If you are a cheapskate who needs maximum zoom for birdwatching or vacations with long lenses, the Nikon B500 is your friend. If you want a versatile all-rounder with better image quality, smarter autofocus, and strong video features in a miniature footprint, invest in the Sony HX99.

Happy shooting - and remember, no camera is perfect, but the right camera for you is the one you carry, use, and enjoy!

I hope this comparison brings clarity to your decision - if you want detailed sample files or have specific shooting scenarios in mind, just drop a comment, and I’ll share more insights from my personal testing archives.